oct 17, 2014 - U.S. halts RISKY research -
Description:
U.S. Government Gain-of-Function Deliberative Process and Research Funding Pause on
Selected Gain-of-Function Research Involving Influenza, MERS, and SARS Viruses
Gain-of-function studies, or research that improves the ability of a pathogen to cause disease,
help define the fundamental nature of human-pathogen interactions, thereby enabling assessment
of the pandemic potential of emerging infectious agents, informing public health and
preparedness efforts, and furthering medical countermeasure development. Gain-of-function
studies may entail biosafety and biosecurity risks; therefore, the risks and benefits of gain-offunction research must be evaluated, both in the context of recent U.S. biosafety incidents and to
keep pace with new technological developments, in order to determine which types of studies
should go forward and under what conditions.
In light of recent concerns regarding biosafety and biosecurity, effective immediately, the U.S.
Government (USG) will pause new USG funding for gain-of-function research on influenza,
MERS or SARS viruses.....
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